Sophie Castriota is an Australian musical artist and singer songwriter from Brisbane, Queensland Australia.
Sophie is of English/Italian heritage and a bloodline descendent of Gjergj Kastrioti “Skanderbeg”, Lord of Albania through her mothers Arbëreshë line. This link is proven by a marriage between Giuseppa Castriota Scanderbeg and Vincenzo Bernardini of Lecce her 7th generation grandparents. Although ‘Castriota Skanderbegh’ is not Sophie’s birth name, she decided to take on a name of her ancestors in honour of the noble line of which she is descended. She also wishes to promote awareness of Albania and of the Albanian/Arbëreshë culture which she is passionate about. Sophie hopes that through her love and affinity for Albanian culture and music she will be able to connect with Albanians all over the world and make a difference by engaging in Charity events and Performances that may support and unite many people.
Sophie has been involved in music since an early age taking up the violin at 4 years old. She quickly progressed under “Russian School” teachers and became one of the youngest members of the Queensland Youth Orchestra at the age of 11. During this time she was mentored by the late John Curro AM MBE, founder of the Queensland Youth Orchestras and Nigel Kennedy. In 2012 Sophie performed at the Melbourne Albanian Independence celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Independence and in 2016, she performed at the Hardhfest Festival in Rahovec, Kosovo. Since 2018 Sophie has acted as an ambassador for Stonecastle Vineyards & Winery promoting a Vranac wine dedicated to her ancestor Gjergj Kastrioti. The wine bottles have her signature on the neck of every bottle and label. In 2017 she began seriously writing music and developing music production skills concentrating on studio tracks and working collaborations with fellow artists in Australia, Europe and the US.
In 2019 she released her first self produced track “Gone For The Night” followed by her latest release “Whipped”. Sophie is set to be releasing new music in early 2020.
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